Certificate in Media, Law and Technology

The Media, Law and Technology Certificate program gives students an opportunity to advance their knowledge and skill in the diverse legal subjects that are of concern in media law practice. These subjects range from censorship, libel, freedom of information and prejudicial pre-trial publicity to licensing of intellectual property, digital privacy rights, media liability insurance, electronic data collection, storage and transfer, and security of wireless and online communications.

Through the certificate program, students also have an opportunity to study how both traditional and new media affect the relationship between law and society.

The nation's media historically have had an important influence on the public's understanding of the legal system. Now, because of advancements in digital technology, media have expanded as an influence. No longer are media limited mainly to such print publications as newspapers and to radio and television broadcasting; media now range from mobile phones to social networks.

In news, as well as in advertising, film, literature and other forms of expression, the media have illuminated or scrutinized the work of lawyers, judges and legislators. By completing certificate requirements, students gain insight into media effects on legal practice, the judicial process, legislation, public policy, governmental affairs, and business and commerce.

Students should notify the registrar of their intention to satisfy the certificate requirements before the end of their first full academic year. Students who earn the Juris Doctor degree will receive the certificate if they have met the requirements below.

Certificate Requirements

Core
One of the following for 3 credits

Digital Privacy Rights in an Open Society
Media and the First Amendment

Six credits in one or any combination of the following:

Administrative Law

Copyright Law and Digital Works

Intellectual Property

Law and the Arts

Legislation and Statutory Interpretation

Media Law Project

Patent Law

Patent Practice

Sports Law

The State and Religion

A certificate candidate who completes both courses in A needs only 3 credits in B. Also, a candidate may request that the certificate program director approve enrollment in a course not listed above if it provides an opportunity to address a subject within the scope of Media, Law and Technology. Such courses include Constitutional Topics, Independent Research, Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy II, Law Review, Special Topics and Moot Court Competition, as well as a graduate-level course outside the School of Law if approved in accordance with School policy.

Experiential

First Amendment Advocacy

A certificate candidate may request that the director approve an alternate experiential course if it is within the scope of Media, Law and Technology.​

Interest Areas

At least 5 credits in one or any combination of the following:

Complex Litigation

Civil Rights Actions

Consumer Law

Contracts III

Elections and Campaign Finance

Employment Law

Federal Courts and the Federal System

Insurance

Local Government Law

State Constitutional Law

If a certificate candidate completes a 3 credit core beyond the minimum required, the extra course may count in place of one listed under interest areas.

The certificate program director, subject to School of Law policies and procedures, may authorize course substitutions under certain conditions. For example, if a certificate candidate has completed an extra course in the category of Core, Writing or Interest Areas, that extra one may be substituted for a certificate course that the candidate needs but cannot take because of an unresolvable scheduling conflict.

* Enrollment for certificate credit is subject to approval by the certificate program director. The course must include coverage of the First Amendment, intellectual property, privacy or other subject within the scope of Media, Law and Technology.